First time purchasing a Porter Cable?

[06TORCHEDGT]

I think Im gonna pull the trigger and buy a porter cable DA as im tired off looking at fine swirls in my paint on my 06 and my 99 needs a really good compounding. I thought about having a professional do the cars for me but just for one car im looking around 300+ bucks. I was looking on autogeek but I have no idea where to start...they have so many different kits on there! Ive heard good things about the meguiars 105 and 205 products but just a complete newb when it comes down to buying the polisher and pads.

 

[28ONE]

http://www.s197forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=84488

Follow that process, you'll have no problems at all. Practically impossible to ruin your paint with a PC. Check out YouTube videos and practice.

 

[Bill220]

If you have the money, skip the PC and buy a Flex. It's a much nicer machine.


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[3VPOWA]

If you have the money, skip the PC and buy a Flex. It's a much nicer machine.


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So is the Porter-Cable just not as good anymore? Or is it just not as functional when compared to the Flex? It was touted as the best for several years, and they look to be cheaper than the past. Only $113 on Amazon.

 

[Bill220]

I have a PC XP and it works just fine. I got to use a friend's Flex and it worked faster and was a lot more comfortable to use.


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[DDTCM]

Link for the Flex?

 

[Seer]

Link for the Flex?

Flex or the Rupes

 

[DDTCM]

Flex or the Rupes

Thank you sir.

 

[Seer]

Thank you sir.

Theyre both more expensive, but theyre both a lot better than the PC.

Don't get me wrong, the PC is more than adequate for a hobbyist or someone who only intends to polish their car once or twice a year. But it does take a good bit longer to accomplish the task and doesnt have the level of correction or throw as the Flex or Rupes.

Flex 3401 Forced Rotation DA
https://www.autoality.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=6256&idcategory=0

Rupes LHR21ES

http://www.rupestool.com/p/us/en/0262777815359

The new Rupes Bigfoot, is considered a next generation polisher, I consider it having a slight advantage on the Flex 3401, after using it for the past few months.

 

[Rasmus]

So is the Porter-Cable just not as good anymore? Or is it just not as functional when compared to the Flex? It was touted as the best for several years, and they look to be cheaper than the past. Only $113 on Amazon.

It's not that the PC is bad. The Flex is just better through and through. Well worth the extra money.

I've tried the Bigfoot a couple of times, but I still prefer the Flex. I may have to give it more tries before it wins me over, but for now I'll stick with the Flex.

 

[06TORCHEDGT]

http://www.s197forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=84488

Follow that process, you'll have no problems at all. Practically impossible to ruin your paint with a PC. Check out YouTube videos and practice.

Thank you! exactly what I was looking for!

 

[Seer]

It's not that the PC is bad. The Flex is just better through and through. Well worth the extra money.

I've tried the Bigfoot a couple of times, but I still prefer the Flex. I may have to give it more tries before it wins me over, but for now I'll stick with the Flex.

It takes people a little while to convert to the Bigfoot, it is a different school of thought.

 

[3VPOWA]

It's not that the PC is bad. The Flex is just better through and through. Well worth the extra money.

I've tried the Bigfoot a couple of times, but I still prefer the Flex. I may have to give it more tries before it wins me over, but for now I'll stick with the Flex.

So like Seer said above, would it be worth dropping the money for the Flex if I only intend to detail the car once or twice a year? I'm not planning to go all out. Just want to get all of the swirls out and lay down a nice layer of sealant and wax to protect the paint for awhile.

 

[Rasmus]

Let's say you have a big back yard.

This is one:

This is the other:

The one to get is up to you. I will promise, though, that you'll end up using it more than you think.

 

[28ONE]

So like Seer said above, would it be worth dropping the money for the Flex if I only intend to detail the car once or twice a year? I'm not planning to go all out. Just want to get all of the swirls out and lay down a nice layer of sealant and wax to protect the paint for awhile.

I started with PC but then went to the Flex, night and day difference. Using the Flex definitely speeds things up. Can't use 3 inch pads with my Flex3401 though, something I miss when using the PC.

As for your intentions, PC will do just fine. It may take 3 to 4 passes on that black paint. That was my experience. Keep in mind the cost for backing plates, considerable difference between the two...

 

[Seer]

So like Seer said above, would it be worth dropping the money for the Flex if I only intend to detail the car once or twice a year? I'm not planning to go all out. Just want to get all of the swirls out and lay down a nice layer of sealant and wax to protect the paint for awhile.

I said the.flex will do the job faster and more effectively. Its up to you if you perceieve the value in that statement.

 

[3VPOWA]

All good info. Definitely going to look into the Flex, then.

And Rasmus, I would use this:

 

[Djstorm100]

My problem is when it know which products to use. Like compounds polishes and etc.

 

[Seer]

My problem is when it know which products to use. Like compounds polishes and etc.

Meguiars #105 and #205 will be more than enough for most situations.

You also could use Menzerna Power Gloss and Power Finish, or Super Intensive Polish and PO85RD.

Consult this thread:

http://www.s197forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=84488

 

[John@Lethal]

Anyone looking for a Flex, hit me up!

http://www.lethalperformance.com/ca...bital-polisher-dual-action-rotary-buffer.html

Have plenty in stock, so PM or Call me for a rock bottom deal with Free shipping!